In the wake of a turbulent period for the Atos Jiu Jitsu organization, several European affiliates have announced the launch and expansion of free Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs dedicated to women.
Atos academies in Combourg in France, Zurich and Basel in Switzerland, and Barcelona in Spain are now offering structured programs providing free classes for women, particularly those who have experienced difficult or unwanted situations in their lives.
The initiative has been branded under the Atos Pink Team concept and is being presented as a long term investment in empowerment, leadership development, and access to training without financial barriers.
What the Program Includes
According to statements published by the academies, the programs include multiple Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes per week depending on location, and participation is free.
- Three to four Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes per week depending on location
- One hundred percent free participation
- No membership fees
- No contracts
- No financial pressure
- No requirement to explain personal circumstances
Atos Zurich and Atos Basel previously opened more than two hundred spots dedicated to women through similar initiatives. The newly launched program in Combourg is positioned as part of a broader European rollout.
In France, organizers describe a six year commitment totaling approximately two million Swiss francs in Switzerland plus one million euros in France combined, presented as a multi million investment over time.
The stated mission includes a long term goal of developing female black belts and building a stronger female presence within the Atos European network.
Context Organizational Shake Up and Departures
The announcement comes after a period of major internal upheaval within Atos.
Earlier this year, serious allegations were made against Atos founder André Galvão involving claims of sexual misconduct toward a female student. Galvão denied wrongdoing. The matter triggered significant controversy within the global jiu jitsu community.
Following the allegations, several high profile athletes and coaches departed from Atos headquarters and affiliated programs. Among the notable names who publicly announced their departures were Josh Hinger, Kaynan Duarte, Lucas Hulk Barbosa, and other competitive standouts associated with the San Diego headquarters.
The departures marked one of the most significant restructurings in the team’s history.
Since then, various Atos affiliates worldwide have publicly expressed support for their local leadership structures while emphasizing a renewed focus on community initiatives.
A Shift Toward Women Centered Programming
The European Pink Team initiative appears to be part of that repositioning effort.
In public statements, organizers have emphasized that the program is not framed as being against men, but rather as a commitment to creating safe and supportive training environments for women.
Promotional messaging highlights empowerment, strength, and leadership development, describing the movement as bigger than a gym and positioning it as a long term cultural investment within the Atos network.
Whether this marks a broader structural evolution within Atos globally remains to be seen. However, the European academies involved are presenting this initiative as a tangible response focused on inclusion, access, and rebuilding trust at the local level.
The Bigger Picture
The jiu jitsu world has increasingly engaged in conversations around athlete safety, accountability, and gym culture over the past several years. Programs like these reflect a growing awareness that leadership in combat sports extends beyond competition results.
As the situation surrounding past allegations continues to evolve, Atos’ European branches appear to be moving forward with a model centered on empowerment and expanded access to training for women.
For now, the focus in France, Switzerland, and Spain is clear: free mats, structured support, and long term investment in women’s jiu jitsu development.